Feel Free to Live Your Retirement the Spanish Way

The life of Spanish retirees is often characterized by a mix of leisure, social activities, and family time, influenced by Spain’s culture, climate, and social systems.

If you’d like to retire to Spain and live like a Spanish retiree, follow the next activities.

Take care of yourself with some workout

Spanish retirees may attend workout classes for people over 60, pilates, swimming, and other sport like activities.

Something very Spanish is going out for a walk, whether alone or with other friends or colleagues. You can find many people “paseando, dando un paseo”, early in the morning but most likely late in the afternoon. It’s an affordable way to keep fit and socialise.

Socialising and spending time together

Many retirees enjoy an active social life. They often meet friends at local cafes, participate in community events, and engage in various social clubs.

✔️Retirees Club or Club de jubilados

✔️Playing cards at a bar (men)

You will find them in neighbourhood’s bars. Sometimes you will see them in the city centre, in some small bars that are not visited buy regular customers, or by tourists. They spend some money on coffe and beverages at the bar. It is also a common activity at the retirees clubs.

There are some new generations members that still follow the tradition of card games.

✔️Cultural centers (women mostly)

City halls run some cultural centers in the city. they offer exhibitions, courses, performances, reading clubs and other other activities. They change the program every season, with new affordable activities. Other private and public institutions also offer some programs.

✔️All-In-One at Your Sport Social Club

You can also become a member of a sport & social club. This way you can enjoy social, sport, and cultural activities. In small villages you’ll find them run by the city hall and sometimes, a private one. In bigger cities there are also social & sport centers run the city hall, even though there are many private ones.

Family time

Family is a central part of life in Spain, and many retirees spend significant time with their children and grandchildren. It’s common for extended families to live close to each other.

Times change, but still there is a “grandparents” rol in families: 35% of Spaniards over 65 take care of their grandchildren several days a week, a figure well above the European average: other countries such as France, spend 13%, or Germany, 15%, according to Eurostat data. In Spain, 80 percent of the elderly are grandmothers and grandfathers, and they dedicate 16 hours a week to this task.

They are irreplaceable given the major issue of work-life balance in Spain when both parents work with schedules that are not very compatible with child-rearing. For a quarter of them, the most frequent tasks are taking or picking up the grandchildren from school or giving them lunch or dinner while the parents work. And the task continues during the summer holidays.

Travelling and enjoying social perks

Retirees in Spain enjoy a variety of social perks that enhance their quality of life. These benefits are designed to support their health, social engagement, and overall well-being.

• IMSERSO Travel Program: The Institute for Older Persons and Social Services (IMSERSO) provides subsidized travel programs, allowing retirees to explore Spain and other destinations at reduced costs.
• Other Travel Programs: You can find them in Discounts for seniors.
• Discounts and Free Access: Retirees often receive discounts or free access to museums, cultural events, theaters, and public transportation.
• Recreational Programs: Local municipalities and organizations offer various recreational programs, including dance classes, sports, and travel excursions.
• University Programs: Many universities offer courses specifically designed for seniors, promoting lifelong learning and intellectual engagement.
• Workshops and Classes: Local community centers and organizations offer a variety of workshops and classes on topics ranging from arts and crafts to technology.
• Volunteering Programs: Retirees are encouraged to participate in volunteer programs, which provide a sense of purpose and community involvement.

Websites for Spanish Retirees

Here are some Spanish websites specifically geared towards retirees in Spain:

IMSERSO (Instituto de Mayores y Servicios Sociales): IMSERSO

• Government site offering information and services for the elderly, including social services, benefits, and travel programs for retirees.

Jubilaciondefuturo.es: Jubilacion de Futuro

• Provides information and resources on retirement planning, pensions, and financial advice for retirees.

Mayores UDP (Unión Democrática de Pensionistas y Jubilados de España): Mayores UDP

• An association focused on defending the rights and interests of retirees and pensioners in Spain, offering resources, news, and support.

Envejecimiento en Red (CISC): Envejecimiento en Red

• A research network dedicated to aging, providing information on health, social participation, and quality of life for the elderly.

Senda Senior: Senda Senior

• A magazine and website offering articles, news, and resources related to active aging, health, and leisure for seniors.

60 y mucho más: 60 y mucho más

• An online portal with articles, advice, and resources on health, wellness, and lifestyle specifically aimed at people over 60.

Mundo Mayor: Mundo Mayor

• Provides information on residences, services, and products for seniors, as well as articles on health, activities, and legal advice.

Plusesmas.com: Pluses más

• A comprehensive site offering information on health, retirement planning, hobbies, and travel for retirees.